The rise – or flight – of the humble roast chicken was a notable trend in 2017 and, frankly, we’re still not over it. From old favourites to hotshot chicken shops, here’s where to get succulent family feast-style rotisserie chicken in and around the Mother City.

Café Frank (City Bowl)

This city bowl lunch spot is known for keeping the working crowd well fed. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to see free-range roast chicken on the lunch menu. The chickens are roasted daily and are a popular choice for a hearty lunch. Pick your portion of chicken (breast or leg) and grab a portion of salad or hot veg from the harvest table. Options include masala-mayo potato salad, green bean and yellow peach salad, and roast veggies with thyme. You can also tuck into leek phyllo pie made with roast chicken, or fresh sandwiches with fillings like hot roast chicken with chive aioli and rocket or basil pesto.

The rotisserie chicken and veggie spread at Cafe Frank. Photo supplied.

Cocotte La French Rotisserie (Sea Point)

Joining the ranks of The Chicken Shop on the Sea Point strip is this authentic French rotisserie. The Parisian-style eatery is run by long-time French friends Delphine de Beer and Catherine Lauria. The menu is simple and all about the chooks. Free-range chickens sourced from Elgin are seasoned with imported spices and fresh, locally grown herbs before being roasted in full view of customers. You can order yours whole, half, as a breast portion or as a quarter leg portion. The chicken can then be partnered up with sides like French coleslaw, couscous salad or a tomato salad with basil. Order some homemade Cocotte mayo to tie it all together, or go for a Cocotte chicken sandwich in a French baguette. Also enjoy picnic baskets in the summer season.

A golden French-style rotisserie chicken with sides from Cocotte in Sea Point. Photo supplied.

The Chicken Shop (Sea Point)

From the team behind Jarryds in Sea Point comes this fast-casual chicken shop. The team uses a charcoal rotisserie to churn out their golden chooks. The poultry-centric menu offers everything from traditional rotisserie chickens in quarter, half and whole portions to Portuguese spatchcock chickens, chargrilled chicken rolls and combos. Choose from one of the sides and salads on display in the glass counter with options like creamy mac ‘n cheese, green salads, roasted seasonal veggies and golden chips. You can finish off your plate or takeaway box with one of the mayos or sauces on offer.

Charcoal-roasted chicken and sides from The Chicken Shop. Photo supplied.

Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie (Franschhoek)

Take a trip to wine country and settle in for a lazy rotisserie lunch at Leopard’s Leap wine farm. The relaxed restaurant focuses on family-style dining where rotisserie chicken – as well as other meat options – is made on a state-of-the-art Rotisol spit and served beside an abundant veggie and salad harvest table. Simply pick a plate for your salads and sides then order your free-range chicken at the till point before sitting down for your meal.

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Roast & Co. (City Bowl)

This sit-down, free-range-only chicken restaurant off Bree Street is serving up chicken with a range of unusual sides and a little added South African flavour. Start by choosing between a full, half or quarter chicken before picking your side. Pair it with a brioche bun with butter, roasted potatoes, truffle pap, charred corn or pickled slaw. Sharing options for the table also include some classics with a South African twist – Mzansi fried mac ‘n cheese, truffled baked camembert, an onion bhaji and chicken Caesar croquettes. Sip on a cocktail or choose a bottle from the Warwick wine list.

A chicken feast at Roast & Co.. Photo by Matthew Mulholland, styling by Melissa Delport.